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San Diego Padres Season Predictions | 2014 Season Betting Preview

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 2014 MLB Team Previews – San Diego Padres

The Padres were able to overcome some injuries woes a year ago to compile a 76-86 record, with the team winning 16 of its 27 games in the month of September to bring some hope into the offseason.

The team’s typically budget-minded front office finally loosened the purse strings to bring in some help, as the team searches for its first winning season since 2010.

Manager Bud Black has done some great things with the team, beginning with its rotation, and instituting the strategy of being ultra-aggressive on the basepaths given the frequency at which runners are stranded at pitcher-friendly Petco. Black’s ability to help his rotation to the next level, and the team’s ability to generate runs, will go a long way in helping the team over the hump.

Bovada’s Odds to Win

NL West: +1000
National League: +2500
World Series: +5000

Key Additions

As mentioned, the Padres were players in the offseason. The first deal was bringing in Josh Johnson on a one-year, $8 million deal. After a down year in the always tough A.L. East, Johnson’s return to the National League, and to a pitcher-friendly park, could see him return to ace-status under the tutelage of Bud Black.

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Bullpen stalwart Luke Gregerson was moved for the team’s new right fielder, Seth Smith, but the team brought in Joaquin Benoit on an uncharacteristically rich deal to fill that void.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. Everth Cabrera, SS
2. Will Venable, CF
3. Chase Headley, 3B
4. Carlos Quentin, LF
5. Yonder Alonso, 1B
6. Jedd Gyorko, 2B
7. Seth Smith, RF
8. Nick Hundley, C

Cabrera is uniquely qualified for the top of this lineup. While his base numbers aren’t great, he’s become an expert at generating runs at Petco, which comes from his speed and aggressive base-running. Will Venable stands as one of the most underrated players in all of baseball, and Carlos Quentin has added some much needed pop to the lineup. Those two, along with Seth Smith, will be manning the oputfield until at least May when Cameron Maybin returns from injury.
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Chris Denorfia and Smith could combine to form an intriguing platoon, while Kyle Blanks will also be in the mix. Chase Headley should get back on track now that the wrist injury that sapped his power is reportedly behind him. Yonder Alonso has the potential to really put things together and hit north of .300 with around 100 RBIs someday. Jedd Gyorko’s power is legitimate, and very repeatable, giving the team a plus offensive option at second.

Projected Starting Rotation

1. Ian Kennedy
2. Andrew Cashner
3. Josh Johnson
4. Tyson Ross
5. Eric Stults

Clayton Richard and Edinson Volquez really hurt the team’s averages last season, but both are gone now, and the team is probably better for it. Josh Johnson could turn into a real bargain as he is back in the N.L. and playing for a contract.

Andrew Cashner is on the verge of being something special. While he doesn’t get as many strikeouts as many would like given his plus-fastball, he does force a lot of bad contact, which leads to easy outs. Tyson Ross and Eric Stults really enjoyed pitching at Petco, and are good options to fill out the rotation.

Bullpen

Closer: Huston Street
Setup men: Joaquin Benoit, Dale Thayer

Huston Street has really thrived in San Diego, though his performance has never been an issue anywhere. His problem has always been staying on the field, and he was able to do that for the most part last season. Joaquin Benoit did a heck of a job in Detroit last year and received a big contract to pitch in San Diego.

He likely won’t repeat his numbers from a year ago, though he should fill the set-up role nicely, while also filling in should Street go down.

2014 San Diego Padres Prediction

The Padres are a popular sleeper pick this season, and after overcoming numerous injuries to finish near .500 a year ago, with a few breaks, the Padres could live up to the hype this year.

The N.L. West is going to be tough with the Dodgers in front of them and the Giants due for a bounce back, in addition to a strong Diamondbacks club being around, but the Padres should make some noise out West, though a trip to the postseason may not be in the cards just yet.

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By Gino Bottero

Gino is new to CappersPicks.com but NOT new to the online gambling industry.He's got an AMAZING knack for discovering hidden gems when it comes to betting on sports. Stick with him as he predicts when a team will have a letdown! Check Gino out for NBA, NHL, NFL, and MLB betting articles all season long!